Hospice is a philosophy of palliative and compassionate care for those who have a limited life expectancy that can be implemented in the comfort and familiarity of one’s own home, a skilled nursing facility, or wherever the patient resides.

Derived from medieval times, hospice is a concept of caring that began as a place where travelers, pilgrims, the sick, wounded or dying could find rest and comfort. The present-day hospice offers a comprehensive physical, emotional and spiritual program of care to provide support for dying individuals and their families. Hospice is primarily a concept of care, not a specific place of care.

Hospice emphasizes palliative rather than curative treatment; quality rather than quantity of life. The dying are comforted. Professional medical care is given, and symptom relief provided. The patient and family are both included in the care plan and emotional, spiritual and practical support is given based on the patient's wishes and family's needs

Hospice Care believes that every individual has the right to die free of pain. Hospice Care provides service without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), communicable disease, or place of national origin.